INDIANOLA, Iowa – The Loras College women's basketball team defeated Simpson College for the second time in just six days by a score of 87-75 on Saturday afternoon inside of the Cowles Fieldhouse.

The Duhawks trailed by three at the end of the opening quarter and were able to cut the deficit to just one (36-35) at the half.

Loras (20-3 overall, 12-2 American Rivers Conference) found themselves behind heading into the second half for just the fourth time this season. The Storm began the third quarter on an 11-4 run, increasing their lead to eight (47-39) with 6:12 left to play in the period. The Purple and Gold responded with a 27-7 run to close out the quarter, allowing them to take the largest lead of the night (66-54).

Simpson (13-11, 8-7) was only able to get to within 10 in the final frame, never recovering from the Duhawks' monstrous third quarter.

Loras boasted five players in double figures. Madison Fleckenstein led the way with 18 points, while Lexi Beier made the most of her 16 minutes, finishing with 16 points off the bench. Silvana Scarsella and Emerson Whittenbaugh chipped in 13 points apiece, while Megan Murray added in 11 points after shooting 4-of-6 from the field. As a team, the Duhawks shot 49.2 percent (32-of-65) from the floor and 53.6 percent (15-of-28) from downtown.

Cassie Nash led Simpson with 24 points, six rebounds and five blocks. Elle Street pulled down a team-high seven rebounds to go along with 13 points, while Molly Lutmer rounded out the double digit scorers for the Storm with 11 points. As a team, Simpson shot 44.2 percent (23-of-52) from the field and 37.5 percent (9-of-24) from behind the arc.

Up Next: The Duhawks head to Decorah, Iowa to face off against the Luther College Norse on Wednesday, Feb. 14. Game time is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.